Question 154 – What are the rules or norms for playing instruments during the concentration at the Holy Mass?

Interview Organization: Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima

Interviewer Name: Christopher P. Wendt

Date: January 13, 2023

In 1967, the Holy See instructed that music should not accompany the consecration during the Holy Mass, emphasizing the need for silence to foster deep concentration and prayer. This practice, observed in the traditional Mass, aligns with the sacredness of the moment, while bells and incense enhance the reverence.

If you like what we do and want to regularly support our mission to build the Reign of Mary and/or assist the episcopal ministry of Bishop Athanasius Schneider, please consider becoming a Servant of Mary.

Transcript:

There are rules in the Missal, and the Holy See issues the last documents. It was 1967, an instruction in holy music, which was substantially valid for the Novus Ordo, I think. It was not foreseen that during the consecration, there should not be music or songs so that people can truly consecrate themselves to this central and most important moment of the Holy Mass, which is the consecration. This moment signifies the sacramental presence of the sacrifice of the cross, allowing people to concentrate and be recollected. Therefore, it goes against the nature of this act of consecration. In the old rite, the traditional Mass, it is observed in silence. It should be a moment of recollection and interior prayer.

Hence, the ringing of the bell is helpful. Incense can be used to glorify the sacramental body of Christ during consecration. However, music may not be so fitting for this moment.

Question/ Title

Q424 – What advice can you offer for evangelizing to a Muslim friend who is open to learning about Catholicism but has not yet converted?

Q423 – If someone prays multiple rosaries daily, is it necessary to pray the Hail Holy Queen after each one?

Q422 – Is it acceptable to attend Mass at an SSPX chapel, even though some believe the Society does not fully recognize the Pope?

Q421 – If a priest thinks a confessed sin is not actually a sin, is the penitent still absolved, or should they confess it again to another priest?

Q420 – Is it a good practice to try to confess all venial sins, or should one focus only on the more serious or frequent ones?

Q419 – If one has no mortal sins, what types of venial or daily sins should be confessed?

Q418 – Is it appropriate for a woman to serve as a lector in the sanctuary during Mass, or should this role be limited?

Q417 – How could a community find a priest willing to come and offer the Traditional Latin Mass when the local bishop does not allow it?

Q416 – What practical warnings or guardrails should the faithful keep in mind when using AI like ChatGPT?

Q415 – Could you recap the Church’s traditional teaching on just war, and possibly illustrate it with a current example?